If you’re searching for a speech therapist in Manhattan Beach, you’re already taking an important step. Communication challenges can show up in countless ways—maybe your toddler isn’t hitting the milestones you expected, or your teenager has started avoiding conversations because they’re self-conscious about how they sound. Some families come to us after a stroke has changed how a loved one speaks. Others are exhausted from mealtime battles with a child who gags at new textures. Whatever brought you here, know that these struggles are more common than most people realize. And the research is clear: starting therapy early leads to better outcomes down the road.
Dolce Therapies works with families across Manhattan Beach and neighboring South Bay communities like Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, and El Segundo. Our licensed speech-language pathologists don’t believe in one-size-fits-all treatment plans. We listen first. Then we build a therapy approach around your specific concerns, your child’s personality, or your own recovery goals. This isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about real progress you can see and hear. Reach out whenever you’re ready to talk through what’s going on.
Why Choose Dolce Therapies for Speech Therapy in Manhattan Beach?
Finding the right therapist matters. You want someone who gets it—who understands your family’s situation and won’t waste your time with generic advice. Not every provider is the right fit, and knowing what to look for can save you a lot of frustration. Here’s what sets Dolce Therapies apart:
- We know this community. Manhattan Beach and the South Bay aren’t just where we work—they’re home. We understand the local schools, the pediatricians families trust, and the resources that actually help.
- Every plan is built from scratch. Cookie-cutter programs don’t work. Your child isn’t like every other child, and your goals aren’t identical to anyone else’s. We design therapy around you.
- We work with all ages. Toddlers learning their first words. Teens struggling with social communication. Adults recovering from neurological events. Our team has deep experience across the lifespan.
- In-home sessions are available. Some kids do better in familiar surroundings. Some families can’t add another drive to their schedule. We come to you throughout Manhattan Beach.
“I can’t thank you enough Marie! You were able to truly instill the confidence in my teenage son’s speech and communication style. Your thoughtful approach helped identify patterns and solutions. He is more self aware and less anxious in social settings. I highly recommend!!!” – Lucy S.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Read more reviews on Google here.
Speech Therapy Services We Offer in Manhattan Beach
We offer several specialized services, each shaped by a family-centered philosophy. That means caregivers aren’t just observers—they’re partners in the process. Research from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) consistently shows that consistent, early intervention produces the best outcomes. Here’s how we can help:
Pediatric Speech Therapy
This is for children from infancy through the teenage years who are experiencing delays or difficulties with speech, language, or communication.
Some kids struggle to pronounce sounds clearly. Others have a limited vocabulary or can’t seem to string sentences together the way their peers do. Following directions might be tough, or social conversations feel awkward and frustrating. If any of this sounds familiar, you’re in the right place. The good news? There’s a lot parents can do between sessions—simple activities that support speech sound development at home make a real difference.
Our approach leans heavily on play. Kids learn best when they’re engaged, not bored. We use evidence-based techniques wrapped in activities that actually hold a child’s attention—and we loop parents in so progress continues after the session ends.
Adult Speech Therapy
Adults come to speech therapy for all kinds of reasons. A stroke. A traumatic brain injury. A neurological condition that’s gradually affecting how they communicate. Voice changes that make it hard to be heard.
We focus on restoring functional communication—the ability to have a conversation, express needs, participate in daily life. For some clients, that means rebuilding skills. For others, it’s developing workarounds that fit their lifestyle. Either way, therapy is collaborative. We set goals together, and we adjust as circumstances change.
Autism Speech Therapy
Communication looks different for individuals on the autism spectrum, and therapy should reflect that. We work with children and adults who need support with social communication, pragmatic language, reading nonverbal cues, or building a functional communication system—whether verbal or through AAC.
Our therapists respect each person’s unique strengths. We don’t try to force anyone into a mold. Instead, we meet clients where they are and help them build skills that actually matter for their daily lives. When it makes sense, we coordinate with behavioral therapists and other providers to create a cohesive support system.
Feeding Therapy
Mealtimes shouldn’t feel like a battle. But for families dealing with picky eating, food refusal, gagging, or texture aversions, that’s often exactly what they become. Feeding therapy helps infants, children, and others who struggle with the physical or sensory aspects of eating.
We take a gentle approach. No forcing. No pressure. The goal is to build positive associations with food while strengthening the oral motor skills needed for safe swallowing. Small shifts in how you handle picky eating can take the stress out of mealtimes faster than you’d expect.
In-Home Speech Therapy
Not every family wants to add another appointment to the calendar that requires packing up the car. And not every child performs their best in an unfamiliar clinic setting. That’s why we bring therapy directly to homes throughout Manhattan Beach.
In-home sessions let us work within your actual environment. We can practice skills during real routines—snack time, play time, homework time. Caregivers get to observe and participate without the artificial setup of a clinic room. For many families, this is the option that makes therapy stick.
What Should You Expect When Starting Speech Therapy?
Starting something new can feel uncertain. Here’s a straightforward look at how the process works.
Initial Phase
First, we evaluate. Every client—child or adult—begins with a thorough assessment. We want to understand what’s working, what’s hard, and what matters most to you. This isn’t a quiz with right or wrong answers. It’s a conversation combined with structured observation.
From there, we talk about goals. What do you hope therapy will accomplish? What would progress look like in your daily life? Your input isn’t just welcome—it’s essential. We use everything we learn to build a therapy plan with clear, measurable objectives.
Ongoing Therapy
Sessions have structure, but they’re not rigid. We adapt to the client’s energy, interests, and developmental level. Evidence-based activities form the core, but we’re always adjusting based on what’s actually working.
Family involvement is huge. The more caregivers participate, the faster skills generalize outside of therapy. We’ll teach you strategies, explain what we’re doing and why, and check in regularly about what you’re seeing at home.
Progress tracking happens continuously. If something isn’t working, we pivot. If goals are met faster than expected, we set new ones. Therapy evolves as you do.
Signs Speech Therapy May Be Helpful
Sometimes the signs are obvious. Other times, parents have a nagging feeling that something’s off but can’t quite name it. Here are some common indicators:
- Other people have trouble understanding your child’s speech
- Vocabulary seems limited compared to peers, or sentences don’t come together the way you’d expect
- Communication attempts lead to frustration, meltdowns, or avoidance
- Social conversations are difficult—turn-taking, staying on topic, reading the room
- Eating involves gagging, extreme pickiness, or battles over texture
- There’s a diagnosis (autism, developmental delay, neurological condition) that affects communication
These signs show up differently depending on age and context. Parents often wonder when concerns warrant seeking help—and the short answer is: sooner is usually better than later. An evaluation provides clarity either way.
In-Home vs. Clinic-Based Speech Therapy in Manhattan Beach
Both options work. The right choice depends on your family.
In-Home Speech Therapy
There’s something powerful about therapy that happens where life happens. Kids are often more relaxed in familiar surroundings. Skills practice naturally during everyday routines. Parents don’t have to carve out travel time. And for children who struggle with transitions or new environments, staying home removes a major barrier.
Clinic-Based Speech Therapy
Clinics offer a controlled environment with fewer distractions. Specialized materials and equipment are readily available. Some clients actually focus better when there’s a clear separation between “therapy space” and “home space.” It comes down to what works for the individual.
We’re happy to talk through the pros and cons for your specific situation.
Local Resources in Manhattan Beach for Speech Therapy Support
Private therapy isn’t the only resource available. Manhattan Beach families can also access:
Harbor Regional Center
Early Intervention and Developmental Services
For children under 3 with developmental delays or disabilities, Harbor Regional Center is often the starting point. They coordinate early intervention services across Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, and surrounding areas.
Phone: (310) 540-1711
www.harborrc.org
Manhattan Beach Unified School District – Special Education Services
School-Based Speech and Language Services
MBUSD provides speech and language support for eligible students. If you have concerns about your child’s communication, you can request an evaluation through the district.
Phone: (310) 318-7345
MBUSD Special Education
California Early Start Program
Statewide Early Intervention
This state program ensures that infants and toddlers with developmental concerns have access to services. Regional centers and local education agencies coordinate care.
California Department of Developmental Services
UCLA Health Manhattan Beach Pediatrics
Pediatric Medical Care and Referrals
Your pediatrician can conduct developmental screenings and refer you to a speech-language pathologist when concerns arise.
Phone: (310) 546-8702
UCLA Health Manhattan Beach
NIDCD – Speech and Language Developmental Milestones
Educational Resource
The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders offers research-backed milestone information for parents trying to understand typical development.
NIDCD Speech and Language Resources
Frequently Asked Questions About Speech Therapy in Manhattan Beach
How do I know if my child needs speech therapy?
Trust your instincts. If your child is hard to understand, uses fewer words than kids the same age, gets frustrated trying to communicate, or struggles to follow directions, an evaluation can clarify what’s going on. You don’t need a definite answer before reaching out—that’s what assessments are for.
What ages do you work with?
Everyone. Infants, toddlers, school-age kids, teenagers, and adults. Communication challenges don’t have an age limit, and neither do we.
How long does therapy usually take?
It depends. Some clients meet their goals in a few months. Others benefit from longer-term support. We track progress continuously and adjust the plan as things evolve. There’s no arbitrary timeline—just honest assessment of where you are and where you’re headed.
Do you accept insurance?
Contact us directly to discuss coverage and payment options. We can provide documentation for families who want to submit claims for potential reimbursement.
What’s the difference between a speech therapist and a speech-language pathologist?
They’re the same thing. “Speech-language pathologist” (SLP) is the official title—someone with a master’s degree and clinical training in speech, language, and swallowing disorders. “Speech therapist” is just the informal term most people use.
Contact Dolce Therapies for Speech Therapy in Manhattan Beach
Whether you’re just starting to notice concerns or you’ve been thinking about this for a while, we’re here when you’re ready.
Maybe you’re not sure therapy is even necessary yet. That’s okay. Maybe you’ve already gotten a referral and you’re comparing providers. Also okay. We’re happy to have a conversation—no pressure, no sales pitch. Just an honest discussion about what’s going on and whether we might be able to help.
Reach out whenever the timing feels right. We look forward to hearing from you.